The Schumann ELF Generator

Introduction

This project
was conceived out of curiosity and its relevance in audio applications. We have decided to investigate Schumann Resonance and Quantum Resonance. We
think the technology contained within our device is considerably different from
other devices on the market to warrant development. How different is it? To
find out more, read on…

What is Schumann Resonance? (from Stanford University website)

In first
order approximation, the Earth-atmosphere system can be seen from an electromagnetic
point of view as a radial shell of three layers of conductivity. The Earth
and the ionosphere in about 100-150 km height appear as a perfect conductor
with the air of negligible conductivity in between. They form a spherical
shell of conductivity, denoted Earth-ionosphere cavity, in which electromagnetic
radiation is trapped. Lightning strikes within the troposphere radiate
energy into this system and the waves are traveling around the Earth.
In the case of constructive interference, Earth-ionosphere cavity resonances
are excited in the frequency range of 6-60 Hz.

What is Quantum Resonance?

"Quantum Resonance" may not be the most appropriate name for this device
function, it has nothing to do with Quantum Mechanics
and such. But it is the coined term used in hifi circles. The correct
description should be Magnetic Field Stabilizer (MFS). The effective
frequencies are
largely related to our AC power supply frequency
(50hz in Singapore) and its
harmonics. A professional MFS would cost a bomb and require
specialized setup, mostly used to stabilize electron microscopes and
such, and is not generally available to the consumer market
This device uses the flooding technique to achieve some of the benefits
economically. A MFS does not "shield" the devices in its field, it
simply allows them to work better under a non-varying magnetic field, just as a compass needle not wavering under magnetic influences.

Circuit Description

A microprocessor generates the required waveforms using Digital Signal Processing.
This is followed by a half-bridge switching amplifier driving the
output antenna. There is a knob for adjusting the power output. Another
knob selects between SR (Schumann Resonance) mode and QR (Quantum
Resonance) mode. A large analog meter shows the attenuation range
calibrated in dBm. The circuit requires a few voltages, supplied
externally from a single power adapter.

The Antenna

The
Extremely Low Frequency (ELF) spectrum comprises of electromagnetic
waves in the 3~300Hz region. Conventionally, a huge magnetic antenna is
required to pick up or generate these frequencies, which is not feasible
for this project.The Schumann
ELF Generator sidesteps this requirement by using a small magnetic antenna together with DSP to generate these frequencies, and does it quite efficiently.

SR mode

Schumann
Resonance is characterized by a 7.83hz fundamental pulse and its
related harmonics. The device generates these pulses as a
Quasi-Sinewave approximation which contains the harmonics as well. By
our reasoning, it should affect living organisms rather than
electronics.

QR mode

Selecting
this mode produces the required magnetic field by flooding, as with
other "Quantum Resonance Technology" devices. This field is supposed to blanket the varying magnetic fields present in our surroundings,
primarily from our utility supply. This should have direct impact on
electronics.

Design

The Schumann
ELF
Generator has been deliberately made to look and feel analog-like in
use. It reminds us that audio is predominantly analog even as we use
digital means to achieve it. Make no mistake: the internal circuitry is
packed with more digital technology than you would expect. Fans of a
certain brand will immediately recognize the familiar design.

Specifications at a glance (Prototype)

User interface:

SR/QR
generation mode

Intensity control: 0 to -60dBm

Analog meter display

Physical
specifications:

Dimensions: 6”W*8”H*4”D

Weight: ~1.5kg

Electrical
specifications:

Field strength: Max 30dBuA/m

Field Type: Magnetic(H) field

Rating: 12v 1A dc
adapter

Pictures

Sneak preview:

(more coming soon!)

Schumann
ELF Generator White Paper

Ken Ng, 12/2/11

Design Goal

The design goal for the Schumann
ELF Generator was to develop an ideal interface to the outside world through the application of technical advances in digital circuits and antenna design. This device has the following functions:

An Extremely Low Frequency (3~300hz) artificial waveform generator

A retro analog user interface

Mode selection and output attenuation

These goals where to be achieved through the application and use of optimum solutions for:

Digital Signal Processing

Proprietary antenna design

Microprocessor driven

The goal of designing the Schumann
ELF Generator has been met with the unique combination of solutions called out above. Details of these solutions will be described below.

Digital Signal Processing

We
found in our development that to properly generate the required
frequencies, it was necessary for the signal to first contain the full
harmonic structure of the signal. The signal required is first analyzed
from the frequency spectrum and translated to a time-domain signal
through the application of Fast Fourier Transform. We used a fast
microprocessor with hardware-optimised calculation to do this
translation. The antenna output is captured by our resident HP/Agilent
DSO6014A analyzer using a pickup antenna.

The
time-domain waveform (lower trace) shows what the waveform leaving the
antenna looks like, and the fundamental Schumann frequency of 7.8Hz is
measured. The FFT spectrum (upper trace) shows the frequency components
7.8, 15, 24, 29hz and so on. Due to limitations in our algorithm
and antenna, we cannot fully mimic the actual Schumann Resonance
spectrum. However, the Schumann
ELF Generator comes closer than any other device known (and measurable) to us.

Using the similar technique, we can reproduce other types of waveform, such as those produced by Magnetic Field Stabilizers.

Proprietary antenna design

The proprietary antenna is the heart of the entire design.Traditionally,
a huge antenna spanning a few kilometers long or a huge coil with
millions of turns of wire
is required to pick up or generate ELF frequencies, which is impractical
for a device this size. We had to reduce the antenna size to fit into
the enclosure. We used a small
magnetic antenna for this purpose. We first alter our time-domain signal
from the DSP stage by performing another level of DSP before feeding
the amplifier stage. The resulting
waveform that leaves the antenna is transformed to resemble the original
time-domain signal. The best way to explain this without revealing our
technique is by using encryption theory. We first send a signal through
the antenna and measure the waveform to get our transform (key). If our
message (signal) is first encrypted (DSP stage 2) then sent to a known
decrypter (antenna), we will get back our original message (signal).

The result is a very compact and efficient antenna, but it can only work for this particular combination. There is no magic as to why this works. We cannot reveal it but those versed in EM theory will know that it is possible.

Microprocessor driven

The Schumann
ELF
Generator would have been impossible to develop without a microprocessor as
the algorithms determine the waveform shaping for the antenna to work
its magic. Given the firmware is upgradable, there is also ability to
include other functionally and waveforms. This makes the Schumann
ELF Generator a very powerful device which is infinitely upgradeable despite its deceptively simple exterior.

ConclusionThe Schumann
ELF Generator has actually gone beyond our original expectations,
achieving performance levels that we only dreamed could be possible,
especially for such a compact device. The Schumann
ELF Generator opens new possibilities for an audio accessory component.

FAQ

Why a Schumann Resonator? Don’t we have enough of those
already?

Many people
do know the significance of Schumann Resonance and its effects, but
unfortunately their implementation is less than perfect. Some designs
simply
couple simple
pulse generators such as the venerable 555 timer to what looks like an
antenna,
with no proper understanding of the mechanics of wave propagation and
antenna design. These pulse generators cannot give us the correct
harmonic structure of the waveform we want. Our background is in RF
systems and we design our systems using EM theory. Our antenna designs obey
the laws of classical physics and can be described in parameters such as
efficiency, polarization, gain, and impedance. Our goal from the start
was to develop a device that produces a measurable result, not one that
can only be “felt”.

How is it possible where others couldn’t do it?

The
Schumann
ELF Generator adopts a proprietary antenna that works only in
combination with DSP to generate the required waveforms. This gives it
good efficiency from a compact size. Using a suitable pickup antenna and
test
equipment, the signals can be readily measured.To protect our intellectual property, we cannot describe it in detail.But skeptical individuals are invited to witness
the measurements first-hand at live demonstrations.
Like we always stress: It’s not magic, just physics!

Is this snake oil?

Schumann Resonance and Magnetic Field Stabilizers are based on scientific research which can be found liberally
on the internet. We are not at liberty to doubt others’ findings, but rather
the devices that claim to do what they do. Our device trumps others in a
particular area with no reasonable doubt: Measurements don’t lie!

So what can I expect?

We propose the
effect of the Schumann ELF Generator to be a bit like pheromones. You do
not realize its presence immediately but it grows on you. We noticed the
soundstage gaining density, that seems to envelop the listener more. We
must say this effect is quite unique and cannot be achieved with other
kinds of tweaks. We also noticed another beneficial effect: it actually
improves our quality of sleep!